Downtown
It's all about the experience.
Part of VDA's purpose is to enhance the quality of life for our community. We want to hear about your experiences downtown.
Concerts, markets, festivals, historic tours, bike rides, artwalks and shopping sprees..There's always something to do downtown. Click here and tell us about your experience and why you 
Downtown.
Why I love Downtown
I love downtown Vancouver because it has a friendly, small-town feel with big-city amenities, and there's always so much going on! I was raised in the greater Seattle area, then moved to Wisconsin about eleven years ago. My husband first introduced me to downtown Vancouver about five years ago on a trip back to Washington, and it was love at first site... I've been back a few times now and I tell my husband that although I work, eat and sleep in Wisconsin, I LIVE in downtown Vancouver!
My perfect Vancouver day starts by grabbing a cup of coffee downtown, then strolling through the farmer's market enjoying all the sights, smells and sounds. After listening to some music or people-watch at Esther Short park, I'd hit some galleries, and then take a stroll along the Renaissance Trail. The day would be topped off with a relaxing dinner at Thai Orchid, and enjoying the changing lights at Turtle Place. Downtown Vancouver is a great place to visit, and it's also my home away from home!
-Patricia Helms
Break time
After a busy morning in the office there is nothing like a bike ride through historic reserve, under the canopies of the mighty oaks and down across the winding land bridge to the waterfront.
We stopped for lunch on the patio at Who-songs, which is always awesome in the summer...watching the birds and boats weave around the bridge. If the bike ride wasn’t enough, eating a steak fajita salad while watching the waves of the Columbia will always clear the head.
After lunch, we continued on down the waterfront and ended up at the Wendy Rose sculpture by McMenamin’s and Beaches restaurants. It's nice to see all the activity along the waterfront, even in the middle of the day. Great place to feel the breeze, stretch your soul and enjoy this beautiful day in downtown Vancouver.
-Bryan Helfrich
A Trip to the Market
The Vancouver Farmers Market is open for business from April through Oct this year.
Member Blogs
Have you seen VDA Member Katlin Smith of Urban Words blog at www.southwestwashingtonzest.com. She has some great entries about activities downtown.